Jonathan Sexton will return to Leinster ahead of the 2015-16 season after signing a central contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union which takes him through to November 2019.

Sexton will see out this season with Racing Metro before returning to Ireland. He joined the Top 14 side ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, on a two-year deal with the option of a third, but he has decided to re-sign for Leinster, the province he spent seven seasons at between 2006 and 2013.

The news will come as a huge boost for Irish rugby as Sexton will now be back under the management of the IRFU who, alongside Leinster, will ensure he is not overplayed ahead of key internationals.

"I am pleased to be re-joining Leinster, the club where I started my professional career," Sexton said. "I grew up playing my rugby in Leinster and always wanting to pull on the blue jersey so I am delighted to be able to return to play my club rugby in Ireland."

IRFU CEO Philip Browne added: "Jonathan is one the best out-halves in world rugby and the IRFU are delighted that he will be playing his rugby in Ireland. Irish rugby will benefit hugely from having a player of his calibre playing full-time in Ireland."

During Sexton's seven seasons at Leinster, he established himself as a key cog in a team which won three Heineken Cups, two PRO12s and a Challenge Cup. He currently sits on 45 caps for Ireland and won three Test caps with the British & Irish Lions in 2013.

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